Portable trimmer having rotatable power head

ABSTRACT

A portable, hand-operated trimmer has a head module that is removably connected to a power control module. The head module has a power head enclosing an electric motor that is operatively connected to a trimming blade. The power head is selectably settable in a plurality of angular positions with respect to a head support, including a neutral position representing 0 degree rotation, 45 degree flexion and dorsiflexion positions, and 90 degree flexion and dorsiflexion positions. The power head also encloses a stator cartridge that is connected to the housing of the power head by a plurality of fastening members. The head support rotates about the stator cartridge and is engaged by way of a movable engagement pin that is received within a selected recess defined in the stator cartridge. The power head housing and stator cartridge further define molded sockets to receive corresponding pivot arms of the head support. An O-ring is disposed about one of the pivot arms to dampen free rotation. The power control module provides power to the power head through a removable rechargeable battery or through direct connection to conventional household power.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to hand-held outdoor powertools. More particularly, the present invention relates to portablehedge trimmers having a rotatable power head that is selectivelysettable in a plurality of positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hedges are traditionally planted to define property boundaries, increaseprivacy, and provide shelter from prevailing winds. These hedges mayachieve a formal appearance through proper cultivation, and can betrimmed as medium height hedges at 6-8 ft. or grown as taller screens orwindbreaks easily exceeding 12 ft. If not pruned properly, the hedgesmay quickly become overgrown and unmanageable. The hedgerow top andsides are traditionally trimmed up to several times a year in thegrowing season, to maintain the hedge's shape.

Trimming the tops and sides of larger hedges can easily becomecumbersome and time consuming. Cultivation with traditional hand-heldtrimmers requires the operator to mount a ladder to reach the hedgetops. The ladder must be continually repositioned along the hedgerow forproper trimming. For exceptionally wide hedgerows, the operator mustrepeat the trimming operation along alternate sides. Trimmers requiringuse of an outdoor extension cord present additional challenges for tallhedgerows because the cord may become entangled with the operator andladder. Moreover, conventional eight foot home ladders may be inadequatefor proper operator support during trimming of exceptionally largehedges. Combustion driven hedge trimmers present additional obstacles tothe operator due to increased weight, noise, and the burdens associatedwith the use of liquid fuel. Battery technology has recently advanced tobe capable of providing sufficient electrical energy to hand-heldoutdoor power tools, eliminating the need for a power cord or acombustion engine. An example of a rechargeable battery used inconjunction with a power tool is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,572,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Furthermore, proper trimming of the top and bottom of the hedges mayrequire cutting at angles to achieve the proper appearance. This wouldforce a user to climb a ladder to reach the top portion of the hedge orbend down to access the bottom portion of the hedge. Both of theseoptions are cumbersome and burdensome for a user.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a portable trimmer to easily andsafely trim a variety of plant life, including large hedges andhedgerows, small twigs and the like. There also remains a need for aportable trimmer that allows cutting at various angles to better achievethe proper hedge appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred form, the present invention provides a portable,hand-operated trimmer having a head module that is removably engagedwith a power control module. The head module has a power head with ahousing enclosing an electric motor and partially enclosing a trimmingblade. The trimming blade is operatively coupled to the electric motorand reciprocates to provide a cutting action. The power head of the headsupport is selectably settable in a plurality of angular positions withrespect to the head support by releasing a latch that is disposed on thehead support. The angular positions include a neutral positionrepresenting 0 degree rotation, a 45 degree position and a 90 degreeposition.

The power head has a stator cartridge that is disposed within andstatically connected to the housing of the power head by a plurality offastening members. The head support rotates about the stator cartridgeand is engaged by way of a movable engagement pin that is receivedwithin a selected recess of plural recesses defined in the statorcartridge. The latch of the head support is slidably mounted to anexternal surface of the head support and is connected to the engagementpin such that movement of the latch engages the pin with the selectedrecess. The head support is molded to define a chamber for partiallyenclosing the stator cartridge, and molded to define a first and secondpivot arms that rotate about an axis. The first pivot arm is receivedwithin a molded socket defined by the housing of the power head. Thesecond pivot arm is received within a molded socket defined by thestator cartridge. An O-ring is disposed about the second pivot arm toincrease friction contact with the stator cartridge and thereby diminishfree rotation about the axis.

The power control module releasably engages with the head module andprovides a source of power and control for the portable trimmer. Thepower control module has a control handle assembly that provides asource of electrical power and has an elongated boom that releasablyengages with a coupling module of the power head. Electrical power isprovided by way of a rechargeable battery or through direct connectionof a power cord to conventional household power. The battery isdisengaged from the control handle assembly for charging by an externalcharging unit.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiments and best mode of the invention, areintended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a portable trimmer showing connection of a headmodule to a handle module, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the portable trimmer in a hedge trimming operation;

FIG. 3 illustrates the portable trimmer in a grass trimming operation;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the portable trimmer showing the head moduleduring rotation of a power head with respect to a head support;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the head module with the power headdisposed in the neutral position;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the head module illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the trimmer head module;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the head module with the power head lockedin the neutral position, and a sectional view of the power controlmodule poised for connection thereto;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the head module and power control moduleillustrated in FIG. 8 with the power head unlocked for dorsiflexionrotation;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the power head matablesections, stator cartridge, and head support;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the power head matablesections, stator cartridge, and head support illustrated in FIG. 10 froman opposite perspective;

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the handle module poised forconnection to the power control module;

FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view showing rotatable connection ofthe handle module to the power control module;

FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the handle module staticallyconnected to the power control module;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a battery module being removed from thepower control module of the portable trimmer;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the battery module with electricalcontacts exposed;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view the battery module with a removablebattery cap covering the electrical contacts;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the battery module connected to abattery charging unit; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a power cord being connected to thepower control module according to an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the figures, and in particular FIG. 1, a preferredembodiment of portable trimmer 100 is illustrated in accordance with theteachings of the present invention. Portable trimmer 100 has a headmodule 102, which is removably connected to power control module 104.Head module 102 provides power to trimming blade 106, which is a cuttingtool, through rotatable power head 108. As illustrated, power head 108is set in a neutral position along the longitudinal axis of head module102. The power head 108 is rotatable about head assembly axis 109, andis selectively settable in plural positions through releasableengagement of latch 107 in head support 145. Latch 107 and the hand ofan operator are protected by hand guard 105, which is secured to headsupport 145 by way of a fastening member 119. The fastening member 119is preferably a set screw.

According to the preferred embodiment, power head 108 is selectivelysettable in the neutral position, a 45 degree flexion position 110, a 90degree flexion position 112, a 45 degree dorsiflexion position 114, anda 90 degree dorsiflexion position 116. Accordingly, there are two 45degree positions, namely: the 45 degree flexion position 110 and the 45degree dorsiflexion position 114; and two 90 degree positions, namely:the 90 degree flexion position 112, and the 90 degree dorsiflexionposition 116. It should be understood that these angular positions arepreferred, but that they can be set to any predetermined angle.According to an alternate embodiment, power head 108 only rotates fromthe neutral position into positions of flexion, such as the 45 degreeflexion position 110 and the 90 degree flexion position 112. Accordingto yet another alternate embodiment, power head 108 only rotates fromthe neutral position into positions of dorsiflexion, such as the 45degree dorsiflexion position 114 and the 90 degree dorsiflexion position116.

During rotation of power head 108 or during storage of portable trimmer100, trimming blade 106 is covered by removable blade sheath 118. Headmodule 102 includes a head coupling 120 for removable engagement withpower control module 104. The head module 120 is connected to headsupport 145 by head extension pole 144.

Power control module 104 has a control handle assembly 122 at a proximalend thereof for gripping and control of portable trimmer 100 by anoperator. Control handle assembly 122 is connected to elongated boom126, which in turn is connected to handle coupling 124. Elongated boom126 has a gripper section 128 surrounding pole section 127 to enhancegripping of portable trimmer 100 by the operator. According to thepreferred embodiment, gripper section 128 is a flexibly deformablematerial such as foam rubber, but may be any material to enhancegripping. Handle coupling 124 releasably engages with head coupling 120to structurally connect head module 102 to power control module 104.Handle coupling 124 also forms an electrical connection with headcoupling 120 for transmitting electrical power.

Control handle assembly 122 has a handle 130 for controlling operationof portable trimmer 100. Mating surface 132 is disposed about an uppersurface area of handle 130 to increase friction with the hand of theoperator and thereby provide increased control. Control handle assembly122 also has a manual switch 134 for controlling distribution of powerto head module 102. Safety locking latch 136 is disposed about an upperperiphery of control handle assembly 122 for releasably engaging manualswitch 134. An operator may control safety locking latch 136 with thethumb to thereby release manual switch 134 and initiate operation ofportable trimmer 100. Safety locking latch 136 is engaged each time theoperator seeks to operate manual switch 134. Battery module 138, whichis an electrical power unit, is releasably engaged to the underside ofcontrol handle assembly 122 to provide power to portable trimmer 100.

FIG. 2 is a view of portable trimmer 100 in a hedge trimming operation.Portable trimmer 100 is illustrated with power head 108 disposed in the90 degree flexion position 112 during a top hedge trimming operation ofhedges 140. Power head 108 is locked in position to thereby preventfurther rotation about head assembly axis 109. Operator 142 controlsportable trimmer 100 by grasping handle 130 and gripper section 128.

FIG. 3 is a view of portable trimmer 100 in a grass trimming operation.Portable trimmer 100 is illustrated with power head 108 disposed in the45 degree dorsiflexion position 114 during a grass trimming operation ofgrass 143. Power head 108 is locked so that it does not rotate abouthead assembly axis 109. Similar to the hedge trimming operation,operator 142 controls portable trimmer 100 by grasping handle 130 andgripper section 128.

FIG. 4 shows the repositioning of a rotatable power head 108 from the 45degree flexion position 110 toward the neutral, i.e. straight, position.The operator grasps power head 108 with one hand and grasps headextension pole 144 with the other hand while disengaging latch 107through movement in the illustrated downward position. Latch 107 isslidably recessed within head support 145. Once power head 108 isrotated into the desired position, such as the neutral position, thelatch 107 is released.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portable trimmer 100 with power head 108in the neutral position. Hand guard 105 has been removed for clarity.Trimming blade 106, which is a cutting tool, has a plurality ofstationary blade elements 152 and a plurality of reciprocating bladeelements 154. Blade elements 152 cooperate with blade elements 154 toprovide the cutting action. Trimming blade 106 is received within powerhead 108, which is formed in clamshell like fashion, by first matablesection 146 and a second matable section 148. The matable sections 146,148 are joined by a plurality of fastening members, which are describedin detail below. The fastening members are preferably received bycorresponding molded lugs within power head 108. Head assembly axis 109provides a point of rotation for power head 108 and head support 145.The power head 108 is set in one of a plurality of predeterminedpositions with respect to head support 145 through engagement of latch107. Head extension pole 144 is fixedly attached to head support 145 byway of fastening members 150. The fastening members 150 are preferablyrivets, but may take other forms known in the art, such as screws.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 showing the head module 102 withpower head 108 in the neutral position. As illustrated, trimming blade106 is received within molded blade recess 156 of first matable section146. Likewise, trimming blade 106 is also received within acorresponding molded blade recess of second matable section 148 (sectionremoved for clarity). Trimming blade 106 reciprocates in response tomovement of spur gear 158. Likewise, spur gear 158 is engaged with andreceives power from motor 160. Trimming blade 106, motor 160, and spurgear 158 are supported by motor mount 162, which in turn is held inplace through engagement with matable sections 146, 148. The first andsecond matable sections 146, 148 include a plurality of molded lugs 149,described in greater detail below, for receiving respectivelycorresponding fastening members.

Now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, head support 145 rotates with respect topower head 108 upon disengagement of latch 107. In order to define headassembly axis 109 as an axis of rotation, stator cartridge 164 remainsfixed to first and second matable sections 146, 148 by a plurality offastening members, described in detail below. Stator cartridge 164 isalso disposed within interior receiving chamber 166 of head support 145.The head support 145 includes a distal pivot arm 163 that is receivedwithin molded socket 159 of first matable section 146. Likewise,proximal pivot arm 165 of head support 145 is received within moldedsocket 173 of stator cartridge 164. O-ring 167 is disposed about pivotarm 165 to increase friction between stator cartridge 164 and interiorreceiving chamber 166. O-ring 167 provides increased stability andfriction during rotation of power head 108 with respect to head support145.

Stator cartridge 164 freely rotates within interior receiving chamber166 of head support 145, but remains stationary with respect to firstmatable section 146 and second matable section 148. In particular, aplurality of fastening members 196 (illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11)connect slots 168 of stator cartridge 164 to molded lugs 172 of secondmatable section 148. Likewise, a fastening member 198 (illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11) connects slot 174 of first matable section 146 tomolded lug 200 of stator cartridge 164 by passing through semi-circularaperture 169 defined in molded plate 177 of head support 145.

The head support 145 is locked into a predetermined position withrespect to power head 108 by latch 107. In particular, extension pin 186of latch 107 is connected to pin aperture 188 of engagement pin 176 tocontrol linear movement thereof. The engagement pin 176 is selectablyreceived within a plurality of engagement recesses 175 within statorcartridge 164. The plurality of engagement recesses 175 correspond toselectable positions of power head 108, namely: the neutral position,the 45 degree flexion position 110, the 90 degree flexion position 112,the 45 degree dorsiflexion position 114, and the 90 degree dorsiflexionposition 116. Alternate embodiments corresponding to alternateselectable degree positions of power head 108 are provided by alteringthe placement of engagement recesses 175 in stator cartridge 164. Forexample, engagement recesses 175 may be provided such that power head108 is settable at positions of 30 degree flexion, 60 degree flexion, 30degree dorsiflexion, 60 degree dorsiflexion, or the like.

Engagement pin 176 is received within and linearly moves with respect tocradle 178. Engagement pin 176 is stabilized within cradle 178 by way ofa pair of alternately disposed collars 180. Biasing member 182 isreceived within cradle 178 and urges engagement pin 176 for selectiveengagement with the plurality of engagement recesses 175 within statorcartridge 164. Cradle 178 has a defined opening 184 in the top thereoffor insertion of biasing member 182. Defined opening 184 also permitsmovement of latch 107 with respect to engagement pin 176, and inparticular, permits insertion of extension pin 186 of latch 107 into pinaperture 188 of engagement pin 176. As illustrated, cradle 178 isdisposed within head extension pole 144.

The head extension pole 144 is permanently affixed to head support 145.In particular, fastening members 150 are first inserted into slots 147of head support 145. The fastening members 150 are then affixed intofastening apertures 187 of head extension pole 144. According to apreferred embodiment, fastening members 150 are rivets, but may takeother forms known in the art, such as screws.

With reference to FIGS. 7-9, head coupling 120 includes a headelectrical connection unit 190, which is formed by a pair of electricalconnection pins. The head electrical connection unit 190 is retainedwithin head extension pole 144 by way of insertion into electricalcollar 192. According to a preferred embodiment, the electrical pins areretained within electrical collar 192 by way of fastening elements 194,which are preferably rivets. Thus, to form an electrical connectionpath, electrical leads 170 are respectively attached to head electricalconnection unit 190, are threaded through head extension pole 144, andthen threaded through interior channel 171 of head support 145 and intoa chamber defined by first and second matable sections 146, 148, forultimate attachment to electrical attachment pins 161 of motor 160.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of power head 108 of head module 102 lockedin the neutral position with power control module 104 poised forconnection to head module 102. Power head 108 remains locked throughinsertion of engagement pin 176 into a selected engagement recess 175 aof stator cartridge 164. Biasing member 182 urges engagement pin 176into the selected engagement recess 175 a when latch 107 is released bythe operator. Head coupling 120 defines a threaded recess 206 to receivethreaded male engagement section 208 of handle coupling 124. Headcoupling 120 is slidable and rotatable about extension pole 144 toengage the handle coupling 124. Accordingly, the pins forming headelectrical connection unit 190 are received within correspondingelectrical receptacle 210 of handle coupling 124, and head coupling 120is rotated to secure the connection.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the power head 108 of FIG. 8 illustratingdorsiflexion rotation about head assembly axis 109. As illustrated,latch 107 is attached to engagement pin 176 through insertion ofextension pin 186 into pin aperture 188. When latch 107 is moved awayfrom hand guard 105, engagement pin 176 releases from engagement withselected engagement recess 175 a of stator cartridge 164 to disengagepower head 108. The power head 108 is then rotated through flexion ordorsiflexion into another selected position. When latch 107 is releasedby the operator, biasing member 182 urges engagement pin into anotherselected engagement recess 175.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show exploded sectional views of the first and secondmatable sections 146, 148 of power head 108, stator cartridge 164, andhead support 145 from opposite perspectives. Stator cartridge 164remains statically connected to first matable section 146 and secondmatable section 148. In particular, fastening members 196 are fixedlyreceived within slots 168 of stator cartridge 164 and are joined tomolded lugs 172 of second matable section 148 to thereby form a staticconnection. According to a preferred embodiment, fastening members 196are screws. Likewise, fastening member 198 is fixedly received withinslot 174 of first matable section 146 and is joined to molded lug 200 ofstator cartridge 164. The first matable section 146 is also directlyconnected to second matable section 148 by a plurality of fasteningmembers 202. In particular, fastening members 202 are fixedly receivedwithin slots 204 of first matable section 146 and are joined to moldedlugs 205 (particularly shown in FIG. 11) of second matable section 148.

Head support 145 includes molded plate 177, which is continuously joinedto a predetermined side of interior receiving chamber 166. Pivot arms163 and 165 protrude perpendicularly from molded plate 177. In order tosupport rotation of head support 145 with respect to power head 108,pivot arm 165 of head support 145 is rotationally disposed within moldedsocket 173 of stator cartridge 164, and pivot arm 163 of head support145 is rotationally disposed within molded socket 159 of first matablesection 146.

Molded plate 177 of head support 145 also defines semi-circular aperture169. Accordingly, molded lug 200 of stator cartridge 164 passes throughsemi-circular aperture 169 and moves arcuately with respect theretoduring rotation of head support 145. O-ring 167 is disposed about pivotarm 165 and increases friction contact between stator cartridge 164 andhead support 145. In particular, O-ring 167 contacts molded plate 177and pivot arm 165 of head support 145, and also contacts arcuateprojection 201 and T-shaped projections 203 of stator cartridge 165. Aplurality of apertures 179 are also defined within molded plate 177 ofhead support 145 to facilitate tightening of fastening members 196 intorespectively corresponding molded lugs 172 in second matable section148. According to a preferred embodiment, fastening members 196, 198,and 202 are screws. Alternately, fastening members 196, 198, and 202 maybe rivets, living-hinge type fittings, or combinations thereof providinga static connection.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of power control module 104 poised forconnection to head module 102. In particular, handle coupling 124 ofpower control module 104 has a male extension 212 for insertion intofemale receiver 214 of head coupling 120. The female receiver 214includes a rail 215 to mate with a corresponding recess 217 in maleextension 212. Head coupling 120 defines a threaded recess 206 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9) to receive threaded male engagement section 208 of handlecoupling 124. Head coupling 120 is slidable and rotatable aboutextension pole 144 to engage the handle coupling 124 and secure theconnection.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating rotatable connection of headmodule 102 to power control module 104. Upon insertion of male extension212 into female receiver 214, head coupling 120 is rotated aboutthreaded male engagement section 208 to provide a static connectionbetween power control module 104 and head module 102.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating power control module 104 instatic connection with head module 102.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of battery module 138 being released fromengagement with control handle assembly 122 of power control module 104.Battery module 138 includes a channel projection 216 for engagement withelongated recess 218 in control handle assembly 122. Electrical contactson battery module 138 provide an electrical connection to electricalcontacts 220 within elongated recess 218

FIG. 16 is an elevated perspective view of battery module 138illustrating channel projection 216 and plural electrical contacts 222.Engagement projection 223 releasably engages with a correspondingelement in control handle assembly 122. According to an embodiment,battery module 138 houses a rechargeable battery power supply (notshown). According to embodiments of the invention, the battery powersupply is 12 volts, 14 volts, 18 volts, 24 volts, 28 volts, or 36 volts.According to a preferred embodiment, the battery power supply is an 18volt rechargeable battery.

FIG. 17 is an elevated perspective view of the battery module 138 ofFIG. 16 with battery cap 224 covering the electrical contacts forstorage.

FIG. 18 is an elevated perspective view of the battery module 138 ofFIG. 16 connected to battery charging unit 226. Battery charging unit226 is connected to conventional household power by way of charging unitpower cord 227. Battery charging unit 226 is configured and arranged toconvert conventional AC house-hold power into DC power for chargingbattery module 138.

FIG. 19 is an elevated perspective view of control handle assembly 122poised for electrical connection to AC power cord 228 according to analternate embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, electricpower plug 230 is disposed within elongated recess 218 for connectionwith AC power cord 228. According to this embodiment, AC/DC converter232 is disposed within interior chamber 234 of control handle assembly122 and connected between electric power plug 230 and manual switch 134to convert supplied AC power to 18 volt DC current for driving electricmotor 160. AC/DC converter 232 in combination with the supplied AC poweris an electrical power unit.

While the invention has been described in the specification andillustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawingsand described in the specification as the best mode presentlycontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include any embodiments falling within the foregoing descriptionand the appended claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A hand-operated trimmer, comprising: a head modulehaving a power head enclosing an electric motor and at least partiallyenclosing a trimming blade operatively coupled to the electric motor,and a head support rotatably connected to the power head and settable ina plurality of flexion or dorsiflexion angular positions with respectthereto; and a power control module releasably connected to said headmodule and having a manual switch to control distribution of electricpower from an electrical power unit to the electric motor through aplurality of electrical connectors disposed within said power controlmodule and said head module, whereby engagement of the manual switchcontrols mechanical operation of the trimming blade.
 12. Thehand-operated trimmer according to claim 11, said power control modulefurther comprising: an elongated boom releasably connecting to the powerhead at a distal end and fixedly connected to a handle assemblysupporting the manual switch at a proximal end, the elongated boomdefining an interior axial channel for housing at least one of theplurality of electrical connectors.
 13. The hand-operated trimmeraccording to claim 11, said head module further comprising: a statorcartridge disposed within and connected to the outer of said power headby a plurality of fastening members, said stator cartridge defining aplurality of recesses that are adapted to receive a movable engagementpin from the head support, wherein the power head is set into one of theangular positions during engagement of the pin in a selected recess ofthe plurality of stator recesses.
 14. The hand-operated trimmeraccording to claim 13, said head module further comprising: a latchslidably mounted to an external surface of the head support andconnected to the movable engagement pin such that movement of the latchengages the pin with the selected recess.
 15. The hand-operated trimmeraccording to claim 14, said head module further comprising: a biasingmember disposed within an interior channel of the head support forurging the pin toward engagement with the selected recess.
 16. Thehand-operated trimmer according to claim 13, wherein the housing of thepower head defines a first socket and the stator cartridge defines asecond socket normal to the plurality of stator recesses, the headsupport having a first and a second pivot arm which are received withinand rotate with respect to the first and second sockets.
 17. Thehand-operated trimmer according to claim 11, wherein the electricalpower unit is a battery module including a rechargeable battery, thebattery module being removably connected to said power control module toprovide electric power to the manual switch.
 18. The hand-operatedtrimmer according to claim 11, wherein the settable angular positions ofthe head support with respect to the power head include a neutralposition representing 0 degree rotation, a flexion degree position, or adorsiflexion position.
 19. A hand-operated trimmer, comprising: a powerhead having a housing enclosing an electric motor and at least partiallyenclosing a trimming blade operatively coupled to the electric motor. astator cartridge disposed within and connected to the housing of saidpower head, said stator cartridge defining a plurality of recesses; ahead support rotatable with respect to said stator cartridge and havinga movable engagement pin for selective engagement with one of theplurality of stator recesses to lock said head support into an angularposition with respect to said power head; and a control handle assemblyhaving a manual switch to control communication of electric power froman electrical power unit to the electric motor.
 20. The hand-operatedtrimmer according to claim 19, further comprising: an elongated boomconnected to said control handle assembly and releasably connected tosaid bead support, said elongated boom terminating at a distal end witha handle coupling for releasable engagement with a bead coupling of saidhead support, wherein the electrical power unit communicates theelectrical power to the electric motor by way of electrical leadsdisposed within an interior axial channel of said elongated boom. 21.The hand-operated trimmer according to claim 19, wherein the angularposition of said head support with respect to said power head issettable in a neutral position representing 0 degree rotation, a flexiondegree position, or a dorsiflexion position.
 22. The hand-operatedtrimmer according to claim 19, further comprising: a latch slidablymounted to an external surface of said head support and connected to theengagement pin such that movement of said latch engages the pin with theselected stator recess; and a biasing member disposed within an interiorchannel of said head support for urging the engagement pin towardengagement with the selected stator recess.
 23. An apparatus,comprising: a power head housing a motor, a trimming blade and a statorcartridge, the stator cartridge being fixedly secured to the power headhousing; and a head support being rotatably attached to the power headhousing and having an elongated boom containing a control assembly forcontrolling the power to the motor, the head support having an interiorchamber therein and the stator cartridge being rotatably secured in theinterior chamber of the head support allowing the power head to rotaterelative to the elongated boom.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 23,wherein the head support is releasably attached to the elongated boom.25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the control assemblyfurther comprises a rechargeable battery and a manual switch to activatethe motor.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the statorcartridge includes a plurality of engagement recesses that are adaptedto receive an engagement pin from the head support to fixedly secure thestator cartridge in an angular position with respect to said headsupport.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the headsupport includes a interior channel adjacent the interior chamber, theengagement pin slidably located in the interior channel and biased by abiasing member into the interior chamber for engagement with theengagement recesses.
 28. A hand-operated power tool, comprising: a powerhead having a housing and enclosing an electric motor and at leastpartially enclosing a cutting tool operatively coupled to the electricmotor, the housing having two opposed side housing portions each havinga connection region; a head support connected to the power head andsettable in a plurality of angular positions with respect to the powerhead, the head support having a connection portion that pivots withrespect to the power head about a pivot axis, with the pivot axispassing through the connection portion of the head support and throughthe connection regions of the power head, and with the connectionportion of the head support at the pivot axis being disposed in betweenthe opposed connection regions of the power head and laterallyrestrained between the opposed connection regions, wherein the headsupport defines a chamber disposed around the pivot axis; and acartridge disposed so that the pivot axis passes through the cartridge,the cartridge being laterally disposed between the head support and thepower head, and the cartridge at least partially being received in thechamber, wherein the cartridge has engagement surfaces that providelocking of the head support into one of the plurality of angularpositions with respect to the power head.
 29. The hand-operated powertool according to claim 28, further, comprising: an elongated boomterminating at a distal end with a handle coupling for releasableengagement with the head coupling, the handle coupling having anelectrical receptable for electrically connecting to the head electricalconnection unit during the engagement; and a control handle assemblyconnected to a proximal end of said elongated boom and having a manualswitch to control communication of electric power from an electricalpower unit to a handle electrical connection unit during the engagement,whereby engagement of the manual switch controls mechanical operation ofthe cutting tool.
 30. The hand-operated power tool according to claim28, wherein the electrical power unit is a battery module including arechargeable battery, the battery module being removably connected tosaid control handle assembly to provide electric power to the manualswitch.
 31. The hand-operated power tool according to claim 28, whereinthe settable angular positions of said head support with respect to saidpower head include a neutral position representing 0 degree rotation, a45 degree position, or a 90 degree position.
 32. The hand-operated powertool according to claim 28, wherein the settable angular positions ofsaid head support with respect to said power head include a neutralposition representing 0 degree rotation, a flexion position, or adorsiflexion position.
 33. The hand-operated power tool according toclaim 28, wherein the cutting tool partially enclosed by said power headis a trimming blade comprising a plurality of stationary blade elementsand a plurality of reciprocating blade elements cooperating with thestationary blade elements to provide a cutting action in response tooperation of the electric motor.
 34. The hand-operated power toolaccording to claim 29, wherein the power head is in-line with theelongated boom.